In a significant milestone for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, China's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, was officially commissioned on Wednesday morning at a military port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.
Designated hull number \"545,\" the Luohe boasts a displacement of approximately 5,000 tonnes. This new-generation frigate, independently developed and constructed by China, represents a leap forward in naval technology. With advancements in stealth capabilities, cutting-edge combat command systems, and enhanced firepower integration, the Luohe significantly elevates the PLA Navy's operational performance.
Equipped for comprehensive combat operations and a variety of military missions, the Luohe is set to play a pivotal role in bolstering the overall combat effectiveness of naval task forces. Its deployment underscores the PLA Navy's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance its maritime defense capabilities.
The launch of the Type 054B frigate was confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense during a press conference in August 2023. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the development of key combat vessels is a normal arrangement to meet national security requirements and aligns with overall naval development objectives.
\"This move aims to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests while contributing to global and regional peace and stability,\" Wu said, emphasizing China's commitment to peaceful development and a defensive national defense policy.
The commissioning of the Luohe marks a new chapter in the PLA Navy's evolution, reflecting China's dedication to enhancing its maritime capabilities in line with its national defense strategy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
